Split in Imran’s ranks as 11 party MNAs form own group

Islamabad, Aug 24:

As many as 11 disgruntled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Members of National Assembly (MNA) have decided to form their own group after developing serious differences with the party leadership over the issue of resignations from parliament, media reported Sunday.

Gulzar Khan, a PTI MNA from Peshawar, accused the party leadership of not consulting the lawmakers over the decision of resignations during the sit-in in Islamabad, Geo News reported.

PTI had Friday announced that all its 34 MNAs will resign from the 342-member parliament.

Meanwhile, the far-right political group Jamaat-e-Islami Sunday said the resignations submitted by the PTI party members should not be accepted, otherwise the current political crisis in the country will worsen.

Party chief Imran Khan Saturday asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resign for a month during which a probe into the alleged poll rigging will be completed.

Imran Khan made this demand after the third round of talks between the government and PTI faced a deadlock over the issue of Sharif’s resignation.

Addressing supporters in Islamabad, Imran Khan reiterated his resolve to continue his sit-in in front of parliament till Sharif’s resignation and the initiation of new elections.

He said he would not let his party function till the government meets his latest demand.

Imran Khan said Sharif could return to his office after 30 days if the judicial commission could not prove the allegations of rigging against him.

About 400 PTI protestors were booked in Punjab province for holding anti-government rallies and blocking traffic, The Nation reported.

(IANS)